HC Deb 11 April 1946 vol 421 c2097
60. Mr. Shurmer

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the bad conditions in the bomb-damaged districts of the city of Birmingham, the danger to children, the nuisance to tenants of houses adjoining these sites and the bottlenecks which are delaying the clearance, the War Damage Commission will give the local authority schedules of total loss properties, thus obviating the necessity for them to prepare their own schedules which is the cause of the delays.

Mr. Dalton

The War Damage Commission regularly notifies local authorities of all properties in their area which are regarded as total losses, and this has been done in the case of Birmingham.

Mr. Shurmer

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have been given information that this is not so, and that it is causing a considerable amount of delay? According to the procedure adopted, it will be 50 years before we move the rubbish in Birmingham.

Mr. Dalton

That will be a grave reflection on the new Birmingham City Council.